1988 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (76 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 670 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (132 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1989 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
